Types of Demolition Explained: Residential vs Commercial
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Not all
types of demolition are the same – and you’ll perhaps notice the biggest difference in demolition types between residential and commercial properties.
To put it simply, they often encompass very different types of demolition, and while some of the differences are obvious, others are not. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at residential vs. commercial demolition and detail some of the similarities, key differences, and other intangibles that need to be accounted for when it comes to taking down these types of properties. Read on to learn more:
Residential Demolition
Residential demolition may be done for a variety of reasons, such as:
- Partial demolition to make way for an addition or extensive renovation.
- Total demolition so that the site can be cleared for a new structure to be constructed.
- Total demolition or site clearing in the event of an abandoned property or a property that has become unsafe to occupy.
Residential demolition doesn’t just refer to single-family homes, either – apartment complexes, condominiums, dormitories, and other types of housing units would also qualify as a residential project.
The biggest difference between residential and commercial demolition tends to be the scope and size of the project. As you might imagine, residential projects require less equipment to perform. They’re also often carried out in a day or two depending on the size of the property, whereas commercial demolition jobs may take several weeks or even months depending on the type of demolition method that is selected.
One key difference between commercial and residential demolition is that jobs are often carried out around other residential properties. This may limit when the work can be carried out. Residential jobs also likely have to be mindful of vibration and noise, so as not to damage or impact other area residents. This may restrict the type of equipment that can be brought on-site.
Finally, another big difference is the type of demolition that is often carried out on residential properties. Typically, these demolitions involve bringing in equipment to bring down a property bit by bit. In other words, you’re likely not going to implode a residential property unless it’s a large, multi-family complex.
Commercial Demolition
Unlike residential demolition,
commercial demolition projects tend to be much more comprehensive and last for several days, weeks, or even months. Commercial demolition may
occur for a variety of reasons:
- A new owner has purchased the property and wants to redevelop it.
- The property is abandoned and becomes a nuisance or eye-sore to an area.
- The property has been damaged beyond repair or is determined to be unsafe.
- Partial demolition may be carried out to make way for an addition, remodel, or significant renovation.
As we said in the above section, residential demolitions are typically carried out methodically via an excavator or small crane. Being that
commercial demolitions tend to consist of taking down much larger properties, it also opens this practice up to a range of different options. Some of these demolition options for large commercial properties may include:
- Implosion: The use of explosives to bring down a building in a matter of seconds.
- Mechanical demolition: This involves the use of excavators, wrecking balls, cranes, and other machinery to take a building down.
- Deconstruction: This tends to be a more methodical approach to demolition that somewhat “reverse constructs” the building and takes it apart piece by piece. Deconstruction is often used when there’s a focus on salvaging as many parts for reuse as possible.
- Selective demolition: Also known as partial demolition, this involves only demolishing a portion of the existing structure. It’s normally done to make way for renovations or additions.
Equipment Comparison
The biggest difference between the equipment used in residential and commercial demolition jobs isn’t necessarily the type of equipment, but the scale of the equipment and the amount of equipment that’s used. As we’ve said throughout this piece, residential properties tend to be much smaller than commercial properties, so not as much equipment is necessary to take them down. In most cases, only one excavator or similar piece of equipment will be brought in to get the job done on residential properties.
On commercial properties, conversely, multiple excavators may be brought in to work simultaneously on various parts of the building. Because commercial properties tend to be larger and sit on bigger lots, there’s often more room to bring in equipment and more space to carry out the job. In some cases, explosives may be placed throughout the building to implode it, though it’s a type of demolition that tends to work best with skyscrapers or multi-story properties.
Contact us at Alpine today to learn about the equipment that we use to demolish commercial properties.
What are the Similarities?
As noted, there are a variety of similarities between residential and commercial demolition, perhaps the most notable being the end goal of each practice: to bring a property down. But there are various other things that the two practices have in common, including:
- Each type of property requires an inspection prior to demolition and permits must be pulled and approved before work can begin.
- Utilities need to be shut off so there isn’t an accidental gas leak, electrical hazard, or water issue during demolition.
- Hazardous building materials, such as those containing lead or asbestos, must be properly remediated and discarded prior to demolition so as not to pose a threat to any of the surrounding area or environment.
- Debris and building materials from the demolition must be discarded properly or recycled for reuse following the structure coming down. In either scenario, you can’t just demolish a building and let all of the debris sit there.
Contact Us Today
For more information on the key differences and similarities between residential and commercial demolition, contact Alpine Demolition today. As
experts in all things commercial demolition, we have the experience, know-how, and expertise to get any property demolished
safely and effectively.
Contact us today to learn more.
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(630) 761-0700
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